5 common illnesses in the fall and how to prevent them

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While fall brings the excitement of the holidays and Halloween just around the corner, it also brings several illnesses that more people experience during this time of the year. Here are some illnesses that may often be experienced during the fall.

1. Common cold and flu. Weather reports that according to Dr. Brett Johnson, a family medicine specialist at Methodist Charlton Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, "Fall and winter are the peak times for many viral illnesses, particularly influenza. Viruses are easily transmitted between people and are particularly dangerous for the elderly, the very young and those with lowered immune systems."

The best way to battle common cold and flu is to keep homes and offices clean and sanitary. Clean surfaces that are often touched, such as mobile phones, remote controls, door handles, and the like. Dr. Johnson said, "Good hand washing is important to decrease transmission of viruses. Most importantly, getting the flu vaccine is strongly recommended."

2. Allergies and asthma. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that the fall season may be tough on those people who are allergic to mold and ragweed pollen. Be careful in raking leaves, as this may stir up pollen, mold, dust, and other particles into the air and cause an allergy or asthma attack. For those who are at risk, keep away from the garden during clean up or raking time.

3. Hypothermia and heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, individuals who have coronary heart disease may suffer chest pain or discomfort, called angina pectoris, when in cold weather. The AHA recommends avoiding sudden exertion (such as shoveling heaps of snow) or lifting heavy objects. Hypothermia may also occur when the body cannot keep itself warm enough. It is recommended to wear layers of clothing, including scarves and hats for the head, as heat may also escape through a person's head. Ears are prone to frostbite, so it's best to wear earmuffs as well.

4. Arthritis. Healthline reports that according to Scott Harbaugh, a meteorologist from WPXI News in Pittsburgh, "For years it has been known that changes in air pressure can affect the body. In cases like arthritis, sore joints, or muscular difficulties, these changes can easily cause excess pain to a person."

Studies have shown mixed results and have not been able to firmly linked cold weather to arthritis, but according to pain specialist Dr. Michael Vagg, who spoke to ABC Health & Wellbeing, "There are secondary effects likely to make pain worse, if you have low mood or reduce activity. So being a bit creative about how you maintain your activity levels in winter is really good advice."

5. Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is defined by Mayo Clinic as a kind of depression that is linked to changes in the seasons, as it begins and ends almost the same time every year. According to Mayo Clinic, SAD is diagnosed in women more than men, but men show the more severe kinds of symptoms. Age, family history, the living environments are other factors that contribute to SAD, as those who live farther from the equator are found to be more at risk for the disorder. Medication is recommended for those with extreme symptoms, but for those who are experiencing some and not all symptoms, light therapy and psychotherapy may help. Light therapy or phototherapy is a process in which a patient will sit near a special light therapy box that emits light that mimics natural outdoor light. This triggers a change in the brain chemicals related to mood.